The Rapid Access Ice Drill (RAID) will drill a borehole through deep Antarctic ice, and core into the glacial bed and bedrock below. This new technology will provide a critical first look at the interface between major ice caps and their subglacial geology.

The RAID design is based fundamentally on a conventional diamond drilling system like that used in mineral exploration, modified to operate in polar conditions, operate in an autonomous manner, and reach the depths required by the scientific objectives.

Interested in scientific participation?

RAID will be operated as a scientific facility open to the U.S. Antarctic research community. Use of the drilling platform will be organized by collaborative research proposals to the NSF. If you are interested in participating in the science, please let us know.